Tolkien's Númenor and C. S. Lewis' Numinor: Are There Any Connections?

When examining the vast tapestries of mythology and fantasy created by J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, it is natural to wonder about the connections between their works. Specifically, the luminous island of Númenor in Tolkienrsquo;s legendarium and the Numinor mentioned in C. S. Lewisrsquo;s That Hideous Strength have sparked discussions among scholars and fans alike. In this article, we delve into whether these elements are connected, exploring the narratives, themes, and historical context of both tales.

The Númenor of J. R. R. Tolkien

Tolkien's Númenor is a legendary island kingdom that features prominently in his legendarium. Depicted as a great kingdom of Men blessed by the Valar, it is known for its advanced culture and eventual downfall due to pride and rebellion against the gods. Númenor serves as a precursor to the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor in The Lord of the Rings. The Númenóreans were known for their remarkable power and their ability to wield magic and dominion over the seas, creating a rich and complex mythology.

The Numinor of C. S. Lewis

In contrast, C. S. Lewis' reference to Numinor in his 1945 novel That Hideous Strength is much more subtle. The term Numinor is a fictional place associated with the character Mr. Frost, who is a key figure in the novel. Numinor reflects themes of power and manipulation of knowledge, serving as a backdrop to the broader narrative about the misuse of science and technology. Unlike Númenor, Numinor does not hold the same significant place in the novel; it is more of a minor reference point.

Shared Influences and Literary Context

While Tolkien and Lewis are often referred to as literary contemporaries and friends, their approaches to myth and fantasy differ substantially. However, it is intriguing to note that both were members of The Inklings, a literary discussion group at Oxford University. They frequently shared and influenced each otherrsquo;s work in progress. This dynamic setting provided a fertile ground for inspiration and cross-pollination of ideas.

Wikipedia sheds light on how these ideas flowed between the two:

In That Hideous Strength, Merlin, the legendary wizard from the Arthurian Legend, is described as the last in a long line of wizards familiar with the magic of Middle-earth brought to prehistoric Britain by refugees from the sunken continent. The body of Merlin was preserved for 1500 years until the N.I.C.E. (National Institute for Co-ordinated Experiments) established an excavation in Bragdon Wood of Edgestow, England, searching for the body in the mid-twentieth century. This reference to Númenor and Middle-earth demonstrates the shared historical and mythological context in which both authors operate, illustrating their mutual interest in ancient lore and legends.

Indirect Connections and Shared Themes

While the direct connection between Númenor and Numinor is tenuous, there are indirect connections through shared literary themes and the mutual influence of The Inklings. Both authors often drew inspiration from mythology, history, and the human condition. Their friendship and shared membership in The Inklings meant that they regularly discussed their works, which undoubtedly influenced each other's narratives.

The themes of power, knowledge, and the ethical use of technology are prevalent in both That Hideous Strength and The Lord of the Rings. Both stories caution against the abuse of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. However, the specific elements and settings they employ to illustrate these themes differ significantly. For Tolkien, Númenor is a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride and rebellion, while for Lewis, Numinor serves as a subplot that underscores the broader narrative of scientific and philosophical hubris.

Conclusion

In summary, while there is no direct narrative or mythological connection between Tolkien's Númenor and C. S. Lewis' Numinor, their shared literary context and mutual influence through The Inklings provide an indirect connection. Both authors used their works to explore profound themes about human nature, power, and the ethical use of knowledge. Their discussions and collaborations, though not always overt, undoubtedly enriched the tapestry of their respective mythologies and provided a unique connection between their writings.